Nine Widener Freshmen Named Apogee Scholars

Nine Widener University freshmen have been named the first Apogee Scholars by the
Oskin Leadership Institute at Widener for their high potential for leading change
on campus and in their communities. The students are also recipients of the Widener
High School Leadership Award and received a $20,000 scholarship to attend Widener.

The Apogee Scholars include:

Zach Bates, a communication studies major from Clarksboro, N.J.

Shijo Benjamin, a biochemistry major from Franklinville, N.J.

William Dahm, a psychology major from Oreland, Pa.

Nicole Cavalier, a nursing major from Burlington City, N.J.

Anya DeBlasio, a nursing major from Wilmington, Del.

Lake Greene, a psychology major from East Fallowfield, Pa.

Justin Jackson, a history major from Philadelphia, Pa.

Joann Klein, a communication studies major from Broomall, Pa.

Tyler Virgilio, a hospitality management major from Sewell, N.J.

Widener and the Oskin Leadership Institute are excited to welcome the inaugural class
of Apogee Scholars to campus," said Arthur J. Schwartz, executive director of the
Oskin Leadership Institute. "They have already proved themselves to be leaders in
their high schools and in their communities, and we look forward to helping them reach
their leadership potential."

As Apogee Scholars, the students will complete the 15 workshops required for a LEADERworks
Certificate, a leadership development certificate program offered through the Oskin
Leadership Institute, by the end of their sophomore year.

Once they complete the workshops, they will create their own leadership portfolios
with the help of a coach from the Oskin Leadership Institute. The portfolio is designed
to help students reflect on their insights about leadership—especially lessons learned
through their own leadership experiences at Widener.

Students will present their leadership portfolio at a ceremony and receive their LEADERworks
Certificate. The Apogee Scholars will also serve as coaches for younger students working
toward their certificate.

The mission of the Oskin Leadership Institute is to perpetuate the university's long
and noble tradition of inspiring students to be strategic leaders and responsible
citizens who possess the character, courage and competencies to affect positive change
throughout the world.

As Widener High School Leadership Award recipients, all of the students were nominated
by their high school for their abilities to stand up for what is right, address a
wrong and make a difference in their communities or schools.

Widener University is a metropolitan university that connects curricula to social
issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention,
leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener
experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of
eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and
pre-professional curricula leading to associate's, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral
degrees. The university's campuses in Chester, Exton and Harrisburg, Pa., and Wilmington,
Del., serve more than 6,300 students. Widener is proud to be a tobacco-free campus.
Visit the university's website, www.widener.edu.